Bitternut hickory

Bitternut hickory is a large north American native tree, best reserved for larger landscapes. It has large, compound leaves, a 1-inch, 4-part nut, and yellow fall color. Like all hickories, debris from its fruit drops from late summer throughout autumn, making fall cleanup in urban areas more challenging.

Botanical name:

Carya cordiformis

All Common Names:

bitternut hickory, bitternut, swamp hickory

Family (English):

Walnut

Family (Botanic):

Juglandaceae

Tree or Plant Type:

Tree

Native Locale:

Chicago area

,

Illinois

,

North America

Planting Site:

City parkway

,

Wide median

,

Residential and parks

Landscape Uses:

Specimen

,

Shade

Size Range:

Large tree (more than 40 feet)

Mature Height:

50-70 feet

Mature Width:

40-50 feet

Light Exposure:

Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily)

,

Partial sun/shade (4-6 hrs light daily)

,

Full shade (4 hrs or less of light daily)

Hardiness Zones:

Zone 4

,

Zone 5

,

Zone 6

,

Zone 7

,

Zone 8

,

Zone 9

Acid Soils:

Prefers

Alkaline Soils:

Tolerant

Salt Spray:

Tolerant

Soil Salt:

Intolerant

Drought Conditions:

Intolerant

Poor Drainage:

Intolerant

Planting Considerations:

May be difficult to find in nurseries

Foliage:

Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)

Ornamental Interest:

Fall color

Season of Interest:

Early fall

,

Mid fall

Flower Color & Fragrance:

Inconspicuous

Shape or Form:

Round

,

Upright

,

Oval

Growth Rate:

Slow

Transplants Well:

No

Wildlife:

Cavity-nesting birds

,

Game birds

,

Migrant birds

,

Small mammals

,

Songbirds

More Information:

Size and Form

50 to 75 feet high and 30 to 40 feet wide; upright, oval form

Tree & Plant Care

Bitternut Hickory prefers deep, moist soils that range from poorly drained to well-drained, but is often found in drier conditions.Spring transplant only; develops a long taproot, making it difficult to transplant.Like all hickories, debris from its fruit drop from late summer throughout autumn, making fall cleanup in urban areas more challenging.

Disease, pests, and problems

No serious problems

Native geographic location and habitat

Bitternut hickory (Carya cordiformis)photo: John Hagstrom

C-Value: 7Commonly found in low, wet areas, but can also grow in dry upland sites.